Norway rats are common area rodents that can cause some real problems around your Lexington property. Before we get into the consequences of Norway rats, let's review some of their identifying features.
Norway rats are a little larger than roof rats, weighing around one pound and measuring around 16 inches long from the tip of their tail to their nose. They have coarse, shaggy fur that is dark brownish/black in color. They have a pale underside and a scaly, sparsely-haired tail (which is shorter than the length of their head and body). Norway rats have small eyes, small, close-set ears, and a blunt nose.
When it comes to the dangers of Norway rats, there are a variety of things to consider. Not only can they gnaw on and damage the structural elements of your home, but they can also cause widespread contamination and transmit disease.
Some common diseases rats carry include bubonic plague, toxoplasmosis, hantavirus, tularemia, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, murine typhus, anaplasmosis, and Rat-bite fever.
The best way to get rid of rats is to call in a team of experienced pest professionals. The team at Action Pest Control is proud to offer comprehensive pest control in Lexington, providing you with complete coverage of a Norway rat infestation and the consequences that come with it.
Signs Of Norway Rats Around Your Property
A good place to start in your Norway rat prevention efforts is to be able to detect common indications of activity throughout your space. Here are some signs of rats around your property:
- Holes chewed through floors and walls, creating entry points into the home.
- Indications of chewing on food packaging.
- Marks of rubbing and gnawing where they travel along walls.
- Nesting materials like shredded paper, fabric, and dried plant matter.
- Scampering noises and scratching noises from inside the walls at night.
- Finding shiny black droppings in active areas.
If you suspect any Norway rat activity around your home, it's important to address your rat control needs immediately. Norway rats can be sneaky about gaining entry into and spreading throughout your home, and that's why it's a good idea to be as knowledgeable about them as possible.
Where Do Norway Rats Like To Hide?
Norway rats live alongside people to access sources of food, water, and shelter. They are excellent diggers and stay close to the ground, making nests in below-ground burrows near the lower levels of buildings. Norway rats are nocturnal pests that live in colonies and can spread quickly. In fact, Norway rats have about 6-12 individual rats per litter, and they produce an average of 4-6 litters per year. That's why we recommend staying on top of rat activity throughout your home.
The Safest Way To Get Rid Of Norway Rats
As we've discussed, Norway rats can be highly destructive for a variety of reasons. If you want to guard your home against rat infestation effectively, there are some proactive measures you can take to reduce your exposure to these invaders. Here are some preventative tips to consider:
- Block off cracks & crevices.
- Eliminate excess moisture.
- Keep garbage in tightly sealed metal bins.
- Keep tree trimmings & wood piles away from home.
- Maintain cleanliness.
- Reduce clutter.
- Reduce food & water sources.
- Seal entry points.
- Store food in gnaw-proof containers.
- Wipe up spills.
The best way to get rid of rats fast is to secure professional rat control services from Action Pest Control. That's why we're here.
Total Rodent Prevention For Lexington Residents
The team at Action Pest Control is here to address all your Norway rat control and prevention needs. Starting with a thorough inspection, we accurately identify all rodent activity and then develop the perfect plan to eliminate them and keep them from returning. Reach out to us to discuss your rodent control needs today; we look forward to helping you.